UK Tribunal Denies Former Rockstar Workers' Interim Payment Request

The labor dispute involving former employees of Rockstar Games, who alleged improper dismissal, took a significant turn as their plea for temporary financial relief was denied by a UK employment tribunal.

Allegations of Union Busting

The dismissal of 34 employees last year, with 31 based in the UK and the remaining three in Canada, has sparked controversy. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has accused Rockstar of engaging in unfair anti-union activities, referring to the term 'union busting'.

Rockstar’s Defense

Rockstar has countered these allegations by asserting that the employees were terminated due to leaking sensitive information through a Discord channel.

Hearing Proceedings

Last week, a two-day tribunal took place, but the request for interim payments was turned down. Despite this setback, the IWGB remains optimistic, with its president, Alex Marshall, expressing confidence in their case being substantial and justified.

Marshall also criticized Rockstar's failure to convincingly dispute claims of unfair dismissal during the hearing, emphasizing the union's belief that the dismissals were malicious and violated company policies.

Rockstar's Perspective

In response, a representative from Rockstar Games expressed their regret over the necessity of the terminations but upheld their decision, backed by the tribunal's rulings thus far.

Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive have not provided additional comments at this stage.